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Ravens Risk Relying on a Rookie as They Face the Browns Without Lamar Jackson
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- Ravens Risk Relying on a Rookie as They Face the Browns Without Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens are preparing to welcome back rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane after he missed four games with a wrist injury.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday that Lane is "good to go" after a full week of practice. However, Lane was listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns, so his final playing status remains important.
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Lane fractured his wrist during Baltimore's 41-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 13. He caught one pass for 11 yards before leaving the game and underwent surgery before landing on injured reserve.
The third-round pick out of USC missed the Ravens' next four games while recovering. His return would give Ravens HC Jesse Minter another option on the perimeter, particularly near the goal line, where Lane's 6-foot-4 frame could create difficult matchups for defensive backs.
Minter praised Lane's preparation during his recovery, highlighting the rookie's ability to maintain his conditioning and workload before returning to practice. That preparation could help Lane contribute sooner, although the coaching staff may manage his workload in his first game back.
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Lane impressed during training camp and the preseason, but his regular-season production remains limited to one reception. Sunday could offer the rookie an opportunity to establish a larger role after his early-season setback.
His potential return comes at an important time for Baltimore. The Ravens enter the matchup at 4-1 after beating the Atlanta Falcons 30-23 in overtime last Sunday, extending their winning streak to three games.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
However, quarterback Lamar Jackson has been ruled out with an ankle injury. Tyler Huntley will start after leading Baltimore to its overtime victory in Atlanta, making additional receiving options valuable.
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Minter will hope Lane can provide another target for Huntley if the rookie is cleared to play. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman remain important pieces of the receiving group, while Lane offers a different physical profile on the outside.
The Browns enter the matchup at 3-2 and will look to keep pace in the AFC North. Lane's potential return would give Baltimore another weapon, but the Ravens must confirm his availability before counting on him Sunday.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
